Greenville lifters Waddell, Simpson qualify for THSWPA state meet
· Yahoo Sports
ROYSE CITY – Greenville High School will be represented by two athletes at the upcoming Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association state powerlifting meet after strong performances from sophomore Alexis Waddell and junior Mattie Simpson at the Region 3 meet.
Waddell captured the Region 3 championship in the 105-pound weight class, while Simpson finished second in the 123-pound division to qualify for state during the regional meet held Feb. 28 at Royse City High School.
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Waddell, competing in her first season of powerlifting, posted a combined total of 610 pounds to earn the regional title. Her day included a 225-pound squat, a 140-pound bench press and a 245-pound deadlift.
The sophomore also set new personal records in the bench press and deadlift, surpassing her previous marks of 120 pounds and 210 pounds, respectively.
Waddell advanced to regionals earlier in the season after winning a qualifying meet with a total of 545 pounds. She improved on that total by 65 pounds at the regional competition to secure the championship and a berth at state.
Simpson also totaled 610 pounds in the 123-pound weight class to finish second overall and punch her ticket to the state meet.
The Greenville junior recorded a 200-pound squat, a 95-pound bench press and a 315-pound deadlift. Her deadlift earned Best Deadlift honors on the light platform and set a new regional record.
Simpson’s 315-pound lift marked a significant improvement from her previous personal best of 285 pounds. She also set a new personal record in the squat, increasing her previous mark from 160 pounds to 200 pounds.
Both lifters will compete at the 2026 THSWPA State Meet scheduled for March 18-20 at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg.